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Carthage - we will rule the seas and plunder the ports of their riches!

Macedon Greeks - we shall defeat the impostors and restore Alexander's Empire!

Romans - our Republic will become the new power of the ancient world!

[Haspen]

Update 3: Plundering the Riches of Ptolemaic Egypt



This was a real dilemma. I went for Physics, however, as it's needed for Magnetism, which itself provides Galleon, and these have 4 unit capacity.



Our brave Privateers actually hung around Sparta as it was pelted by Macedon Catapults and Archers, and then struck when the city was vulnerable, capturing it in 211BC...

What pisses me off is - 86 gold!? Celts must be dirt-poor. And Sparta was so hard to grab!

*grumble*



Considering how much we were biting both of these lately, this alliance is not a surprise at all.



O-ho, and to think they were kicking each other about 10 years ago. I told our brave crew to detour to Pergamum, which is quite weakened after recent takeover, and grab it.



ARR HARR, mateys! Pergamum is ours, but the Seleucids promised to destroy us. Good luck with Macedons two-pronging you incessantly.

We would make allies with Macedons, as they are good buddies in terms of trade and warfare, but they simply aren't interested. Oh well, we will plunder them last.

In 202BC, our wise men learn the principles of Physics, and with that we can go on to Magnetism!

Next year, Seleucids expand their anti-Carthage alliance by adding Ptolemaics. So much for amicable neighbours.



Well I'm not really into trying to tackle Syracuse and Rhodes, so why not. They have only 2 cities left, and it's about time we concentrate on our true enemy - the Ptolemaics and Seleucids. It's 199BC now and we learn Magnetism. Time for galleons!

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Maaany years pass. But finally we have a Galleon full of Privateers! As Ptolemaics didn't seek peace, we will try to strike against their port of Cyrene, just east of Leptis.

Next year Seleucids demand Iron Working. I thought they would be much more advanced by now. They also continue to try and re-capture Pergamum with a deluge of Elephants and Catapults, but the local unit of Crossbowmen valiantly repels all and any attack.



Despite having Crossbowman inside the city, our Privateers managed to capture Cyrene with no casaulties on our side. The amount of plunder was 'moderate', to be honest.

In 185 I decide on a bold plan - we will try (emphasis on 'try') to swindle either Alexandria or Antioch from Ptolemaics and Seleucids, respectively. Capture of their capitals would send their empires into turmoil. However the military advisors of mine also decided that we should assemble second Galleon, fully crewed with Privateers, before making an attempt.

I agreed.

I also initiated certain reforms:



This was our prior setup. It has been changed to this:



As we get a decent research anyways, more cash = more Privateers and Galleons we can rush. Also, extra Luxury production means happier citizens; and because we are a Republic, units outside cities generate some unhappiness.



Oh, we have the largest amount of cities? I thought Seleucids or Celts would be first. This is a nice surprise!

In 176BC, our second Galleon, fitted with Privateer crew (and a Diplomat for embassy reasons), leaves for Alexandria. The other crew while waiting, plunders and destroys a Ptolemaic hamlet of Cadiz, taking 25 gold from egyptian coffers in 175BC.



The Romans send not one but two Diplomats, to Sisa and Lilybaeum, and steal secrets of Economis and Physics from us! I declared war on them.



A galley went after our Galleons, and a Caravel snuck behind. Our Galleons aren't toughest nuts on the list of seaworthy vessels, so I told them to make for Crete. Incidentally the Ptolemaics have another hamlet there.

In 171BC, we learn that hamlet is called Bilbao, and the Caravel we saw? It was most probably coming back from delivering settlers there. We pillaged Bilbao and left the its ruins with 29 gold in our pockets.



HARR HARR! The caravel went after one of Galleons, and was sunk, giving the crew valuable combat experience. Now onto Alexandria!

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The galleons arrive at Alexandria in 169BC. The diplomat sets an embassy, while our Privateers prepar-

Wait. Gunpowder??

Well shit. Considering it's their Capital city, I can bet 25 coins they have at least 2 or 3 Musketeers in there, probably on Veteran status. Hrrrmmmph...



Our crew detoured to the port of Raphia. After killing 2 Musketeer units there (and losing 2 Privateers ourselves), we capture this large city, known for its herds of Buffalos and plunder it for quite a hefty amount of coin.

Over next three years we spend most of our cash on rebuilding damaged infrastructure of the city and hiring Crossbowman mercenaries to man its walls. After all, the city is few tiles away from Ptolemaic and Seleucid heartlands; lotsa military action is to be expected here.



In 164BC, the Cult of Baal becomes predominant religion and the Baal is declared the patron-deity of the Republic of Carthage. His churches will soon be constructed in our cities, and may He bless us with plunder and loot, mateys!

[Sheb]

Don't you get tech when seizing cities in CivII?

[Haspen]

Usually, yes. I think it's disabled for this scenario as well? Not sure.

[Haspen]

Update 4: Plunder for the Plunder God!

Our ships depart for resupply; we need an extra Diplomat, maybe a Crossbowman for faster garrisoning of conquered cities.

All the way to 155BC its all fun and profits.



Unfortunately the Seleucids attack us the moment the cease-fire ends between us.



Three years later our wise men discover Gunpowder, and this sells our Barracks at a hefty price. The money will be used to construct more sanctuaries to Baal, as well as marketplaces and banks.

Meanwhile, our Galleons, refitted with new crew, sail for... Syracuse. The Independents' republic is far behind in means of tech, and we shall finally wrestle the city for ourselves.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Our diplomat didn't have a lot of choices; so I ordered him to give us detailed information on the garrison, and he did.

Time to strike!



We have the blessing of the Senate, too!

...Alas, the fortress of Syracuse have proven its reputation; we destroyed 2/3 of the garrison forces but we lost 2/3 of our Privateer army! Our Galleons were ordered to return to Carthage for re-crewing.

Meanwhile, Gades' own galleon and its Privateer army will join us as well. Baal willing, we should be able to re-try the Siege of Syracuse somewhere after 145BC.

Our attack prompts Syracuse to attack us, but the Lilybaeum Crossbowmen repel trio of Elephant units with ease.

As predicted, Gades finishes preparations in 143BC; Carthage and Hippo Regius in 141BC.



Arrr, weren't not the only ones who harass Syracuse nowadays, harr harr!
PS: Two Legions disembarked from it, and predictably got murdered.



HARR HARR!

...Only for the Romans to develop Gunpowder in the same year. Aww.

In 138BC, we attempt the Second Siege of Syracuse!



HARR HARR HARRR! We lost 3 Privateers total, but 6 units worth of Syracuse garrison was slaughtered, and our forces triumphiantly entered the city, plundering the vast treasures of Consul Hiero for the glory of Baal! A great feast in His name was scheduled in Carthage, while Syracuse and Lilybaeum shall replenish the ranks of Privateers, harr harr harr!



Romans steal the secrets of University - perfect pretext to go to war against them!



Pssh, to give Senate more powers? All we need is the blessing of Baal as we go plunder and thunder our enemies!



Hrrrm, Ptolemaics devleop Metallurgy, which means cannons. I should garrison more Musketeers in our cities in east of Greece.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

As you can see, we transported one Musketeer to the coast, to goad Romans into spending some units attacking it. Meanwhile, our Privateers will strike against Neapolis, which has no City Walls, as we rendered Great Wall obsolete with Metallurgy!



What a battle it was! 7 Roman Musketeers dead, and we lose only 3* Privateers; I guess the guards of the city were non-veteran (at least vast majority of them). We will re-garrison Neapolis and then quickly sail around the boot to strike at Herakleia, denying Romans any forces in the south of Italy.

Unfortunately, just as our Galleons were nearing Heraclea in 124BC, Romans erected a wall around it. Fortunately, Taras just finished making Musketeers garrison, and was told to assemble a Cannon unit. It will bombard the city so our Privateers can seize the city later on.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The bombardment had success, as our diplomat have proven after inflitrating the city. That last Musketeer was a true warrior - but nothing stops SONS OF BAAL, YARR HARR HARR! We capture the city the same year and plunder 123 gold for His delight!

We also form peace treaties with Seleucids in 118BC, and Independents in 116BC. Conquests of Neapolis and Heraclea left our Galleons with half the Privateer units, so they were sent to Syracuse and Carthage for re-crewing. Taras produces Cannons that are sneaking to mountains near Rome.



SOON.

[Sheb]

Is there a list of objective cities somewhere?

[Haspen]

No, there isn't. However each city shows {OBJECTIVE} on top of its window when you click it, and only pre-made cities in the scenario have the tag. I will try to compose a list:

{OBJECTIVE} 12
Gades x
La Tene
Milan
Pisae
Syracuse x
Memphis
Raphia x
Antioch
Pella
Athens
Delphi x
Rhodes

{OBJECTIVEx2} 4
Carthage x
Rome
Alexandria
Seleucia

{OBJECTIVEx3}
none in this scenario

That's 20 points total. I notched which cities we have and that gives us 6 points... I believe we're currently scoring at 'Stalemate'? :v


Update 5: The Siege of Rome



Oh hey there actually is a scoreboard. We will have exactly 9 points when we capture Rome and Pisae... or I guess we could grab more eastern ports, or maybe strike at Celts in Milan and La Tene for extra points?



In 114BC Ptolemaic Egypt goes through some 'reforms'.



And so are we.



Two years later our forces claim another town en route to Rome.

Meanwhile, in Carthage...

"And why are we being summoned here! The Senate has been in session trying to resolve the issue of recent revolts!" Said Cumo Gracius
"You cannot break the Senate's session like this, Hannibal!" Added another senator
"I have summoned you here because I saw a vision from Him. And he told me-"
Riflemen barged through the doors and surrounded the hapless senators.



"That you are His enemies, and I, the High Priest of Baal, Son in His image, Lord Hannibal of Carthage, cannot let you continue."
-Scripture of Enlightment, v.85-88

With newfound wealth and enlightment in our hearts, we set out to capture Rome. Our cannons, with their munitions blessed by Him, began bombarding the garrison in 111BC.

Rome proves to be a very tough nut, as even in 104BC its garrison is strong. In 102BC, Celts sue for peace, while Seleucids declare war on us.



Our wise men develop Sanitation in 92BC. Rome still unconquered.

In 90BC, Seleucids boast to us about developing Railroad.



After thorough bombardments, our horde of Riflemen, Cannon and Privateers (fetched to the city by 7 Galleons total) captures Rome.
We had to kill about 10 Musketeers guarding the city, and we lost 18 Privateers, 8 Cannons and couple of riflemen overall in this 20+ year siege, but the city is FINALLY ours!



This is paltry ransom for our Lord, but we will accept it.

We will now depart for Rhodes to capture the city, and get ourselves the last point required for Marginal Victory that we will acquire for His glory!

[Sheb]

How many turns are left?

[Haspen]

About 50-something.

[Patchy]

Haha, what a turn of events. Rome has fallen before the might of Carthage. Keep it up and go for total victory xD

[Haspen]

Update 6: Carthaginian Decisive Victory!

In 82BC, Ptolemaics sue for peace. I threaten them, and they toss 400 gold at us. Four years later, we begin the bombardment of Rhodes.



PRAISED BE BAAL! In 77BC, we capture Rhodes, taking control of the Colossus, and plundering vast treasures from the coffers of the Rhodesian republicans.



Macedons do not bend so easily and so now our troops are en route to Athens.



75BC sees the fall of Athens into our hands. Macedon Greeks do have Gunpowder, but they had only one Musketeer inside; the rest were obsolete units like Pikemen, Knights.



In 73BC, the Macedons toss a whole horde of Crusaders against Athens! As they were protected by only privateers and galleons docked at the harbor, the Athens went back into Macedon hands. Lord Hannibal made a public speech in which he reassured his loyal worshippers that Athens will be ours again.
PS: Athens retaken in 71BC.



In 69BC Romans sign no less than three different military pacts.
PS: No wonder, our cease-fire just ended.

Next year, Pella is ours. In 65BC, Khorasan, a Celtic port at the edge of Black Sea, and Pisae, which was suprisingly staffed by only 1 Musketeer and several Cannons, fall into our hands as well.



Ahhh, Dragoons! Now our riders can pack a superior firepower to all those Knights and Crusaders used by other civilizations. I have went after Tactics as the next topic, so we can bring Cavalry upon heads of the infidels.

The introduction of Dragoons made capture of Sena much easier; the Musketeers garrison fell under the might of 3 Veteran Dragoons from Terracina and Neapolis, in 63BC! Demetrias, a Macedon city between Pella and Athens, suffers the same fate in 62BC.

Unfortunately, with Ptolemaics digging in and Seleucids getting very hard to beat, we turn our eyes inland now, into Europe; the Celt cities of Milan and La Tene become our next targets to grab. Incidentally, if we manage to capture and secure them, we could get into 'Decisive Victory' territory.



In 55BC, we develop Tactics! Now onto the next topic I had on mind, one that could possibly help us tackle Alexandria and Antioch; if we will have enough time to embark on an offensive against Seleucids and Ptolemaics, that's it.

In 53BC, Macedons sign a cease-fire treaty with us.



49BC! We become masters of the Amphibious Warfare! Our Privateers, 1hp wonders with 4atk and 1def, will now be replaced by tough, horrific 2hp warriors with 8atk and 5def. They can take cities and hold them on their own.



Milan falls before our forces in 44BC.



Alexandria falls but only after a lengthy siege in which we lose entirety of our Privateer veterans (10), 4 Marines and 4 Cavalry units against a large garrison of Riflemen, and we burn down a fleet of Ptolemaic galleons docked in the city.



In 42BC, we buy Heliopolis.

That's right. Lord Baal blessed us with so much money, that our shrewd Diplomats Prophets of Baal are capable of buying the strongest fortresses with the golden ducats.
Next year, we acquire Industrialization via theft!

Then we procure more cities that embrace the golden rain of Baal.

In the Year 34BC, we bring downfall upon the Romans. Their people are scattered, their culture lost.

However.



Our great Lord Hannibal, Son in His image, High Priest of the Cult of Baal, feels that his time upon this Earth is coming to an end.

He shall ascend into new plane of existence, where everything is made of liquid gold, and thoughts are gold, and gold is thoughts.

He will forget the petty struggles of the mortals, leaving behind the pesky Celts, the hostile Seleucids, the pampered Ptolemaics, the pathetic Greeks and cowardly Macedons. He shall become BAAL. GOD OF PLUNDER AND WEALTH.



The Census of Wisdom made in 30BC highlights how wise and enlightened the Carthaginians became under the guidance of Hannibal.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

He then in his wisdom and near omni-potence creates the first map of His empire, and the people cheered.



In the 28BC, He was gone.



First time ever I manage a Decisive Victory in a scenario!

This was fun, and Privateering cities all the time was even more fun. We didn't get La Tene (1 point), Antioch (1 point), Memphis (1 point) and Seleucia (2 points), but those were simply out of my logistical reach (and Ptolemy adopted Democracy so I couldn't buy his cities after Helipolis anyways, curses).

Also, I have burned out a little on those LP's, so I don't think I will be starting a new one in next few days. I have other games to play, too

Cya next time!

[Solymr]

Play Alpha Centauri now 8V

[Sheb]

Thanks for the nice reads, Haspen.

[Iituem]

Indeed!  Some excellent Let's Plays, definitely inspired me to do my own again.  [In which, appropriately, Carthage has become the superpower of the early ADs.] 

[Shadowlord]

I just want to say that those were all pretty great, Haspen. 

[Haspen]

I've launched a new LP, of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri here, which I will play for now (and return to Civ2 afterwards)!